iLounge

ezGear has introduced its new Video Cable for new iPods, featuring compatibility with the iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano (video), and iPhone. The Video Cable for new iPods contains an Apple Authentication chip, which is required to activate the video-out feature on late 2007 model iPods and iPhone. The cable itself features a Dock Connector on one end, and standard RCA composite video and audio plugs at the other. In addition, the RCA end of the cable also offers a female USB plug for charging the iPod while the Video Cable is connected. The ezGear Video Cable for new iPods is available now and sells for $40.

Best Buy is currently selling the Lucky Brand speaker system for iPods, a special edition of Sonic Impact’s iP22 Portable Speakers. The Lucky Brand system offers a built-in iPod Dock, and an integrated carrying case with a zippered closure and a unique Asian-influenced design inspired by Lucky’s men’s and women’s clothing on the fabric outer shell. Other features include a strap for portability, 24-hour battery life and an included power adapter for charging, and an integrated amplifier. The Sonic Impact Lucky Brand iP22 Portable Speakers for iPod are available from Best Buy and sell for $100.

Mophie has announced the availability of its Radura case for iPod classic, iPod nano (with video), iPod touch, and iPhone. The Radura is a clear polycarbonate case that offers open access to all ports and controls, as well as compatibility with the mophie Ratchet swiveling belt clip and the Run armband. The Radura for iPod classic and iPod nano also includes three silicone inserts (in black, pink, and green) which are placed at the rear of the case and offer added shock absorption. “With Radura, we’ve achieved a really great balance of, simple, clear design and strong protection” says Ross Howe, Sales and Product Development Director for mStation/mophie.  “Now, owners of all types of iPods and iPhones have a strong, sensible case that offers maximum protection, without sacrificing the unique aesthetics of Apple’s products.” The mophie Radura case for iPod classic, iPod nano (with video), iPod touch, and iPhone is available now and sells for $20. [via Techimoto]

Gear4 will launch its new DUO iPod 2.1 Speaker System tomorrow in the United Kingdom. A novel design by iPod speaker standards, DUO is a home stereo system that splits into two pieces: a table-mounted bass unit and a detachable front panel with retractable iPod dock that can serve as a standalone portable speaker system. The system provides the user with uninterrupted music when docking or undocking. When docked, the drivers housed in the satellite speaker join with a 20W subwoofer in the bass unit to provide more full sound, and the main unit also charges the satellite speaker’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Other features include an integrated fold-out stand for the satellite speakers, direct charging of the satellite speakers via AC cable when away from the bass unit, a remote control, and 38W of total speaker output. The Gear4 DUO 2.1 iPod Speaker System will be available in the UK tomorrow for £150/200€ and will launch in the US and other regions later this year.

Atech Flash Technology has introduced the iCarta+ Stereo Dock for iPod with Bath Tissue Holder, a revised version of its 2006 iCarta system. Unlike the prior model, which relied on a power supply and power cable that might not have been convenient in some bathrooms, iCarta+ features a built-in rechargeable battery which provides up to 8 hours of playtime. Like its predecessor, the iCarta+ also offers users a choice of inputs, including a USB port for the first-generation iPod shuffle, a line-in jack, and the integrated iPod dock, and features an integrated toilet paper holder that can be folded in for use as a portable stereo. Currently being offered for $70 in a charming Mother’s Day promotion, the AFT iCarta+ is available now and normally sells for $90.

H2O Audio has introduced its new iSH2 Waterproof Headset for the second-generation iPod shuffle. The iSH2 is the first integrated waterproof headset and case for the 2nd-gen shuffle, and was developed with the assistance of world record holder and Olympic multi-medalist swimmer, Natalie Coughlin. The case works up to 10 feet underwater, is designed to be worn on any swim goggles or with the included sportband, and offers full control of the shuffle’s circular control pad. “For years runners have benefited by adding music to their workouts and H2O Audio has now made it possible for swimmers to use that same energy and motivation to push their performance to the utmost,” said Natalie Coughlin, Olympic Athlete and H2O Audio Product Advisor. “I have been using the iSH2 since its inception and am excited to see this offered in Apple Stores now so people everywhere can enhance their sport experience and performance.” The H2O Audio Natalie Coughlin Signature Series iSH2 sells for $80, and for the month of May will be available exclusively at Apple Stores and on-line from h2oaudio.com.

Power Support Japan has introduced several new accessories for the iPod nano (with video). The Crystal Jacket Set (Translated link) is a hard plastic case, offering two-piece snap-together construction, access to all ports and controls, a place to attach the included strap, and included film protectors. It sells for the equivalent of $19. The Silicone Jacket Set for iPod nano comes in both rounded and square versions, and in clear or black, or clear mint or black colors. The silicone cases offer full access to all ports and controls, a complete set of protective film for the screen, Click Wheel, and rear of the nano, and a protective cover for the Dock Connector. The rounded versions also include a stand/clip attachment, while the square models include a simple holder, which uses double-sided tape to attach to surfaces like a car dashboard. Both the square and rounded models of the Silicone Jacket Set for iPod nano sell for the equivalent of $19.

Finally, the Mirror Crystal Jacket Set is a mirror-finished hard plastic case available with either a silver or gold finish. The two-piece snap-together cases offer built-in screen protection, access to all ports and controls, and holes for strap attachment. The cases also include a Dock Connector protector, protective film, a clip/stand accessory, and an extra clear front cover. The Power Support Mirror Crystal Jacket Set for iPod nano (with video) sells for the equivalent of $19.

Griffin Technology has introduced its FlexGrip case for the iPod touch and iPod nano (with video), and its FlexScreen case for the nano. The FlexGrip is a two-tone silicone case with a smooth front and a textured, nubby rear surface for added grip. FlexGrip also includes a full-face screen protector (touch) or screen and Click Wheel protectors (nano). FlexScreen is a two-piece case comprised of a clear silicone case featuring the same textured back as the FlexGrip and a clear hard polycarbonate face shield. Both the FlexGrip and FlexScreen offer full access to the touch’s or nano’s Dock Connector, headphone jack, and hold switch (nano). In addition to the cases, Griffin has also introduced its Screen Care Kit for iPod touch, which includes five static peel screen protectors and lint-free cleaning cloth. The Griffin FlexGrip for iPod touch and iPod nano, FlexScreen for iPod nano, and Screen Care Kit for iPod touch are all available now and sell for $15 each. For more information on the FlexGrip or FlexScreen, check out our full-length review.

Continuing its its fundraising efforts for breast cancer research, Belkin has introduced four new pink ribbon cases for the iPod nano (with video). For each case sold, Belkin will donate $2.50 to help fund breast cancer research through Komen for the Cure (with a minimum guaranteed donation of $225,000). The new pink ribbon cases include the Sport Armband, a neoprene sport case with an integrated screen and Click Wheel protector, the Leather Sleeve, which features suede lining and a Click Wheel and Screen protector, the Slim Fit, a lightweight neoprene case with built-in clip, and the Remix Metal, an acrylic and brushed metal case with a soft touch Click Wheel protector. All four cases are available now, and sell for $25 each.

A recently published Nike patent application has revealed several possible new functions and potential hardware expansions of the current Nike + iPod Sport Kit system. The application, number 20080096726, is titled “Athletic Performance Sensing and/or Tracking Systems and Methods,” and describes an athletic performance control system with an interface that allows selection of desired workout intensity, as well as a way to offer a revised or modified workout routine based on the user’s selections. An iPod or iPhone could potentially serve as the control system, as the iPod is specifically mentioned in several points in the application as a possible control device. Nike has also previously stated that it plans to expand Nike+ to include the iPhone and iPod touch.

Components in the new system could include sensors to monitor a markedly increased number of physical or physiological characteristics during the workout, including speed, distance, and time information, which could be then compared against the media content playing during the workout or routine. For instance, the system would be able to know if a user sped up or slowed down in response to a certain song being played, and could offer the user a choice of adding or removing the song from the workout routine playlist. The patent goes on to describe many sensors differing from the current Nike + iPod Sport Kit, with the potential for the collection of data for pulse rate, body temperature, blood pressure, hydration levels, ambient temperature, heart rate, EKG data, humidity, barometric pressure, sole compression, air intake and volume, air expel rate and volume, EEG data, blood gas content, and more.

While the current Nike + iPod system is only meant for monitoring performance metrics while running or jogging, the system described in the patent could potentially be used for other athletic activities, such as using training machines such as stair climbers and elliptical machines, team-based and individual sports, yoga, martial arts, and more. The patent also describes a rewards system for the achievement of fitness or athletic goals, one of the many ways it parallels previous Apple patent filings, which described a digital fitness program for iTunes and touchscreen digital media devices. As with all patent filings, however, this one does not necessarily represent any future product release, and may describe features broader than actual products solely to protect them against competitors. [via MacNN]

As a sequel to its AP-A111 pocket speaker, formerly known as PodWave, Macally has announced TurboTune. Like AP-A111, TurboTune is a compact speaker system with an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting directly to an iPod or other headphone-ready audio source. Macally includes a 760mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery good for up to eight hours of continuous play, stereo speakers with 500mW of power output per channel, a LED charging indicator, and a mini-USB port for recharging the battery. The Macally TurboTune will be available soon for $30; owners of fifth-generation iPods and iPod classics can look instead to PowerTune, a 4-in-1 speaker, battery charger, case, and stand that offers expanded functionality and is currently available for $35.

In an unexpected family-wide refresh of its lineup of combination car chargers and FM transmitters, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has released new 2008 model TransDock, TransDock Classic, and TransDock Micro FM transmitter/chargers, each featuring an Intellitune button that automatically scans for unused FM stations.

The TransDock Classic borrows the form factor of the 2005-model TransDock, but guarantees compatibility with the latest iPods, adds Intellitune, and omits a video-out feature found in the 2007 update of TransDock. TransDock Classic is priced at $80, and uses pipe-style charging and extension arms to mount in your car’s cigarette lighter power port. The 2008 TransDock sports a completely new design—a refined look with a thinner iPod cradle, a white-on-black display, compatibility with the latest iPod models, and the ability to charge the iPod while docked. It also features an 8” flexible arm and power adapter, an AV-Out port, and an auxiliary input, with the whole package selling for $100. The new DLO TransDock Micro is based upon the 2006 accessory of the same name, but features an updated look, with a round-ended black and metal charging stem replacing the former model’s squarish design. The integrated display is now white-on-black, instead of black-on-blue, and the new model drops the former’s USB connector and included USB-to-Dock Connector cable in lieu of a permanently attached alternative. Unlike the other TransDocks, TransDock Micro does not serve as an iPod mount, and sells for $60.

Power Support Japan has introduced several new accessories for the iPod touch. The iPod touch Air Jacket Set (Translated link) is a super-thin rear hard shell offered with black rubber coating, two screen protectors (one anti-glare, one crystal), a Dock Connector port cover and a Dock Connector plug cap. The set aims offers coverage for basically everything except the iPod touch’s bezel, especially the chrome rear shell, while preserving the slimness of the touch — the thickness of the shell is 0.7mm. The set is also available in a clear black version, which sells for the equivalent of $19, while the black rubber version runs the equivalent of $22.

Along with the Air Jacket Set, Power Support has debuted two mounting solutions compatible with the Set. The iPod touch Cup Stand Air is an aluminum cupholder car mount with a pivoting joint to display an iPod touch in the user’s preferred orientation. It utilizes two pivoting ball joints, works with the iPod touch Air Jacket series, and sells for the equivalent of $58. Finally, the Fix Stand Air is a dashboard mount version of the Cup Stand, with pivoting features, metal construction, and compatibility with the Air Jacket. It sells for the equivalent of $29, and comes with double-sided tape for mounting.

A retailer based in Japan is now offering Kalbi Pod Rare (Translated link), a bizarre third-generation iPod nano case designed to look to look like a piece of Korean kalbi beef. Regularly sold for the equivalent of $90, the plastic case has been textured and colored to resemble meat from Wagyu cattle, which is used for production of Japan’s high-grade Kobe beef. Kalbi Pod Rare offers open access to all ports and controls, and comes in a meat container-styled package, complete with an outer plastic wrapper, inner absorbent foam, and barcode label that looks like it was on a supermarket shelf. The retailer, Rakuten, also sells less expensive business card holders made from the same material. Kalbi Pod Rare is currently sold out, but available for a May delivery in Japan at a discounted price of $70. [via dVICE]

iStyles has introduced its Crystal Case for iPod nano (with video). The Crystal is a two-piece hard case made from translucent impact-resistant polycarbonate, and features built-in screen protection, open access to the nano’s Click Wheel and headphone jack, and a flip-down Dock Connector door for added protection. The iStyles Crystal Case for iPod nano (with video) is available now in five translucent colors and sells for $10. 

Proporta has announced it is offering its Shine case for the iPod nano (with video) in denim blue for a limited time. Announced in December, the Shine, previously only available in black or red, is a flip-style patent leather case with magnetic closure, internal mirror, removable lanyard, and cut-outs for access to the nano’s ports and hold switch. Like the black and red models, the denim blue Shine sells for $40, and is available now. 

JBL has announced immediate U.S. availability of an additional model of its On Stage speaker system, On Stage III. Previously released in Asia and originally not expected to be shipped in the U.S., On Stage III is an iPod-only speaker system sharing features and similar dish-shaped styling to earlier JBL On Stage speakers. It appears to be the last On Stage to feature USB connectivity, which is being removed from the upcoming iPhone-compatible sequel, On Stage IIIP.

Confirming a report from eagle-eyed reader Brian V., JBL today said that USB ports will not be included in its upcoming 200- and 400-series On Stage and On Time speakers. Marketed as “OnePoint technology” that would have allowed docked iPods and iPhones to connect to computers near the speakers, the omitted USB ports leave these systems, as well as On Stage IIIP, to serve solely as speaker and charging stations, not synchronization docks.

Finally, readers may have noticed that some recent model JBL On Stage Micro units have begun to appear in stores with product codes that suggest that they are actually On Stage Micro 2s. According to JBL, these units are “the exact same units” but in new iPod nano-matching colors, and do not have any other differences from previously produced On Stage Micro speakers.

Blackmagic Design has introduced its new Blackmagic Video Recorder, a compact USB video capture device that records videos in h.264 format for use with devices such as the iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. The Video Recorder features cords for component, NTSC, PAL, and S-Video input, and the included software allows users to select their device, so videos will be encoded in the proper size. The Video Recorder will also be available in an SDI version for professional use. The Blackmagic Video Recorder is now available for pre-order and sells for $119; it will begin shipping in July. 

Now available for under $100—$400 less than the Polk Audio I-Sonic ES2—Jensen has released the second HD Radio-equipped speaker dock for iPod. The JiMS-525 Docking Digital HD Radio System for iPod combines a top-mounted iPod dock with AM/FM/HD Radio tuning, stereo speakers, an LCD display, dual alarm clocks, and a remote control. Though it carries a suggested retail price of $160, the JiMS-525 is surprisingly already available for as little as $90, as it is already set for replacement by an updated model, JiMS-525a, which will add iTunes Tagging functionality and iPhone compatibility. This updated model will likely sell for closer to the prior model’s full retail price.

Grantwood Technology has released its new Tuneband for iPod nano (with video), a Nike + iPod Sport Kit-compatible armband case. The Tuneband consists of a black, flexible armband strap, a silicone skin in one of eight different colors that offers access to all the nano’s ports and controls, and a low-tack screen protector. The Tuneband for iPod nano (with video) is available now in black, gray, navy blue, neon green, pink, purple, red, and teal blue for $13; the case is also available in a bundle with a matching Shoe Pouch accessory for $19.